1 Getting started

This session is for you if you have not used Excel before. It will get you started and give you a feel for Excel. If you are already an Excel user, we suggest you move on to the other sessions.

Aims of this session

To enable you to operate Excel, and tailor it to suit your requirements. Also to understand how to navigate your spreadsheet and address its component cells.

On completing this session you will be able to

• Create a new workbook
• Save your workbook
• Open an existing workbook and saving changes
• Configure your workspace using
• Views
• Personalised menus
• Positioning toolbars
• Displaying toolbars
• Zoom

• Understand cell references
• Navigate between cells and worksheets

2 Formatting

Aims of this session

To enable you to define the size and format of spreadsheet cells, and use a range of formatting functions.

On completing this session you will be able to

• Select cells, adjacent and non-adjacent
• Use the formatting options on cells and cell ranges
• Adjust column width and row height
• Use the Autoformat facility
• Autofill
• Hide columns and freeze panes
• Manage worksheets

3 Formulae and Functions

Aims of this session

To enable you to derive results from your data by applying formulae and to understand how to refer to cells.

On completing this session you will be able to

• Perform basic arithmetic operations on cells
• Understand recalculation
• Use sum and autosum
• Use the status bar preview
• Understand error messages
• Understand operator precedence
• Understand absolute cell references
• Use average and the formula wizard
• Create formulas using cells in same sheet and another sheet

4 Page set-up and printing

Aims of this session

To enable you to arrange your spreadsheet in an appropriate way for printing, and apply title details and formatting for printing purposes.

On completing this session you will be able to

• Prepare headers and footers
• Use the print preview functions
• Use page set-up options and fit-to-page
• Turn on and off display of gridlines for printing
• Turn on and off display of column headings for printing
• Print title rows on every page
• Print whole spreadsheet or selected cell ranges or charts

5 Moving cells and sorting data

Aims of this session

To enable you to manipulate your data in order to gain useful information from it, by moving, sorting and grouping.

On completing this session you will be able to

• Insert and delete rows and columns
• Copy and paste a range of cells
• Sort and filter data
• Insert automatic sub-totals
• Use outlines to group data

6 Creating Charts or Graphs

Aims of this session

To understand the benefits of displaying data in charts, and be able to create and format charts.

On completing this session you will be able to

• Select appropriate chart types
• Create embedded charts and chart sheets
• Format charts
• Save custom chart types

7 Data import and export

Aims of this session

To understand how to store Excel data in alternative types of file, including templates, and to be able to insert graphics into your spreadsheet, and create and use templates.

On completing this session you will be able to

• Save Excel files as other file types
• Use templates
• Insert graphics
• Create templates